Cricket: Best fast bowlers of all time

The steepling bouncer, toe-crushing yorker, swing, seam and sheer pace were the primary weapons of the top fast bowlers in cricket history.

The "Bodyline" Ashes series, the mystery of reverse swing, and the beauty of stumps splayed are just some things that great fast bowling contributed to the game.

There were so many fine exponents of the art, that picking an all-time eleven is difficult; some greats of fast-bowling are bound to be omitted.

In picking an eleven, it is prudent to use measurable criteria that would ensure a degree of objectivity. Great emphasis is placed on statistics, since this is important in cricket. The criteria used for this list are as follows:

Outstanding Test statistics: Test matches are the most difficult form of the game that Tests performance over consecutive days. Great fast bowlers malke their mark in the Test arena.

Genuine pace: Fast bowlers are not to be confused with medium pacers who rely on cutters and gentle swing. They are consistently able to bowl at speeds around or above 140kph/86 mph.

Test bowling average: Below 25.00 is a mark of a great Test bowler

Minimum qualification: Either 50 Tests or at least 300 Test wickets (not necessarily both)

Bowling strike rate: Great fast bowlers are premier strike bowlers. The maximum Test bowling strike rate for qualification is 55.00.

Naturally, these criteria omit fantastic bowlers who did not play many matches. Also, there may be a bias in favour of modern fast bowlers because their speed is determinable. However, few can argue that the names that appear here are not legends of the game who left a legacy for others to follow.

The tall, lanky fast bowler from New South Wales is the top wicket-taker in Tests among fast bowlers. In fact, he is fourth in the all-time list of Test wicket-taker, behind three spinners. McGrath used his height to generate uncomfortable bounce off a good length. He was parsimonious and metronomical - attributes that helped him snare the best batsmen of his era. Michael Atherton (19 times), Brian Lara (15 times) and Sachin Tendulkar (6 times) all fell to McGrath.

Sir Richard Hadlee was New Zealand's Atlas. He once held the Test record for highest number of wickets and single-handedly led NZ to many victories with the ball (and bat). Hadlee had a range of deliveries and bowled well all conditions; he was alarmingly accurate for a quick bowler. The New Zealand quickie had 36 five-wicket hauls in his Test career and nine 10-wicket match hauls as well.

The tall Pakistan left-arm fast bowler is widely regarded as the best left-arm fast bowler in cricket history. Akram had a whippy action that generated significant pace off a short run-up. He could swing the ball both ways and cut it off the pitch. Akram's variations and guile made him a difficult proposition in all conditions and he could both equally well with the new ball or old ball.

The right-arm Pakistan fast bowler was also a master of reverse swing. However, Waqar's signature delivery was the toe-crushing yorker that left batsmen flailing helplessly at the crease. Waqar was a premier strike bowler in all forms of the game. He took 373 Test wickets, but the amazing statistic was his bowling strike rate - 43.40.

According to Cricinfo's Kamran Abbasi, the Pakistani pace bowler shifted the fast bowling paradigm from pitching fast and short to pitching the ball fast and full. Back injuries denied Waqar the opportunity to play more Test matches and reap more wickets. However, he still left a legacy on the game, changing the way fast bowlers approached the craft.

The 6'6 Antiguan joined the elite group of bowlers who took over 400 Test wickets just before his retirement. Ambrose was parsimonious but aggressive. He used his height to generate awkward bounce for batsmen. In partnership with Courtney Walsh, Ambrose helped to keep the fast bowling tradition alive in an era of decline. The West Indies strike bowler made bunnies out of batsmen like Graeme Thorpe, Michael Atherton and the Waugh twins. Ambrose's best Test bowling was 8/45 against England at Barbados in 1990.

Imran Khan was a genuine world class allrounder. With the ball, he was as good as any other fast bowler. His presence and success with the Pakistan team encouraged fast bowling in the spin-friendly subcontinent. Khan scalped 362 wickets from just 88 Test matches. He was also an exponent of the then misunderstood art of reverse swing. Pakistan's first superstar of cricket was also one of the best allrounders of all time.

One of the shortest of the West Indies' quick bowlers, the Barbadian right-arm fast bowler was just about 5'10. However, his whippy action helped him to generate pace well in excess of 140 kph. Marshall was a skiddy proposition who also possessed a good cricketing brain. He was a gentleman in many respects and did not have the typical fast bowler's temperament. Despite his gentle demeanour, the Barbadian's accuracy, speed and thoughtfulness made him difficult to face.

The Aussie quick bowlers formed a famous bowling partnership with Jeff Thompson in the 1970s. Lillee had a classical action and bowled with sheer aggression and determination. In terms of the number of matches, Lillee was the fastest of the fast bowlers to reach 300 Test wickets. He was a true match-winner and strike bowler. His efforts with the ball inspired then West Indies captain Clive Lloyd to use a pace quartet.

Dubbed "The White Lightning," the tall South African was a mean fast bowler who had many tricks up his sleeve. Donald spearheaded the South African attack since the team was readmitted to international cricket. He had a classical action and sheer pace that made a bunny out of redoubtable England opener Michael Atherton. Injuries plagued his career, but he was still able to establish himself as a great exponent of fast bowling; a Test bowling strike rate of 47.0 backs that claim.

The gigantic Barbadian fast bowler was the tallest of the West Indies' pace quartet. His height was a great asset, as he was capable of generating bounce from full lengths. However, he was also known to spear in unplayable, toe-crushing yorkers. Garner was economical, but also took wickets regularly, as his strike rate of 50.8 suggests. He's one of the few bowlers to have played so many games and average below 21.00.

The Englishman was once the highest wicket taker in Test matches. When he claimed the record, he was nearly certain that no one could break it. However, the sheer volume of cricket and some world-class bowlers after made Trueman's tally of 307 wickets look paltry.

Freddie's expression, floppy hair and classical bowling action were his trademarks. Ultimately, the colourful English quick bowler set the standard for fast bowling in the 1950s and 1960s. Trueman is a legend of the game and is remember for his exploits more than 45 years after he last played Test cricket.